The Laker/Lutz News

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The Lutz Arts & Crafts Show returns, after last year’s cancellation

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After calling off its biggest fundraiser of the year last year, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will host its 42nd annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show during the first weekend of December.

The event has been popular for decades, typically attracting between 20,000 and 30,000 people, over the course of the weekend.

The annual arts and crafts show — known throughout the region — started small, with a crafts show at the Old Lutz School.

Visitors to the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show can check out offerings from more than 200 vendors, giving them the chance to do some one-stop shopping for unique items for people on their holiday list. (File)

It outgrew that venue and moved across U.S. 41, in traditional downtown Lutz, to the train depot community park, in front of the Lutz Branch Library.

Next, it moved to Lake Park, on North Dale Mabry Highway, before landing at its current venue, at Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

The event, geared with holiday shopping in mind, has been held without fail for decades, except for two years. It was canceled in 2015 because of a sinkhole in Lake Park, and it was called off last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organizers are confident that big crowds will turn out this year, as long as people realize the event is back on and as long as they remember that the venue moved to Keystone Prep High a few years back.

Those attending the event will be able to choose items from more than 200 vendors, said Faith Sincich, the event chair and a member of the woman’s club for 30 years.

While COVID-19 slammed the brakes on many activities last year, there is at least one silver lining, she said.

“Most vendors spent all of COVID making things because they couldn’t do anything else. Most vendors have a lot of inventory that they’re anxious to market,” she explained.

In other words, expect an excellent opportunity to find interesting and unique items.

Pat Serio, a woman’s club member, listed off categories of items that will be available: “Metal work. Woodwork. Handcrafted jewelry. All kinds of artisanal things — perfumes, soaps, sauces. Unusual plants.”

Finely crafted home décor is easy to find at the Lutz Arts & Crafts Show. (File)

There are plenty of items geared for children, too, Sincich said.

“They do a lot of trendy things, for grandchildren. My daughter has already put in some requests (for items for her children),” she said.

Over the years, the event has become known for its fun and friendly atmosphere, and its holiday vibe.

Santa will be there on both days. An orchestra will play holiday tunes. And, of course, there will be lots of food choices. The woman’s club will have its hot dog booth. The Boy Scouts will be cooking up something, too. And, there will be other vendors at the food court and the school will be selling food.

Admission is free, but there is a $5 charge per vehicle for regular parking and a $10 charge for VIP parking. Handicapped spaces will be available, but the supply is limited and is quickly exhausted.

Proceeds from the event support scholarships and a wide array of community causes.

Plus, it’s fun, said Serio, who has been pitching in on the event for about 20 years.

“It’s a wonderful family atmosphere,” Serio said.

“The crowd is enthusiastic. They’re all walking out with arms full of purchases, so something is going right,” the woman’s club member said.

42nd annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show

Where: Keystone Prep High School, 18105 Gunn Highway, in Odessa

When: Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free; VIP parking is $10 and regular parking is $5; there is a limited amount of handicapped parking.

Details: More than 200 vendors will offer items ranging from home décor, specialty foods, photography, jewelry and fine art at this juried art show. Santa is expected to make appearances on both days of the event, which has a holiday vibe and tends to be a big hit with families.

Pigz in Z’Hills festival set for April 10

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A scaled-down version of the annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest has been set for April 10.

The festival, being held for the 11th year, will take place at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, directly across from the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. Event hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Melonie Monson, executive director of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Director (File)

Unlike previous years, activities will be staggered throughout the day, to accommodate health and safety protocols related to the coronavirus pandemic.

A drive-thru BBQ meal pickup line will be in place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., followed by a live blues concert from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with select food vendors, such as gourmet French fries and kettle corn, as well as alcohol sales and more barbecue options.

Other happenings include an all-day cornhole toss tournament and free tours of the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History, to get look at refurbished wartime planes and other unique memorabilia.

Tickets are expected to be made available for purchase within the next couple weeks.

Various packages will be sold separately for the drive-thru meal and concert, plus cornhole tournament entry fees.

The popular food and music shindig has been twice postponed already — pushed back from scheduled dates in January and February.

A socially distanced live music concert will be among the happenings at the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. Chuck Riley’s All-Star Band will be one of the lead acts, among other performers.

This latest reboot is all but set in stone, however.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Committee recently came to a consensus with how to proceed with a setup, taking into account various COVID-19 protocols.

Working in the festival’s favor is an anticipated increased rollout of coronavirus vaccines by springtime, plus a venue of more than a dozen acres, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Director Melonie Monson told The Laker/Lutz News in a recent interview.

“We just kept building and formulating, and we really felt, ‘Let’s go forward with this. This event is really important to Zephyrhills, so we wanted to do it,” Monson said.

“It was a relief to finally come up with a plan of action, and to be able to find a way that we could put this on safely and still really just showcase our community. Now comes the hard work though of making sure we put it all together, but we’re excited about this format, and we’re kind of really thrilled to see where it goes.”

While this year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest will be pared down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there’ll be a variety of barbecue options to go around for all attendees.

Noticeably absent from this year’s makeshift event is the prized BBQ cookoff contest that often attracts more than 60 competitive teams, plus a slew of judges and countless volunteers.

The BBQ showdown often draws professional grilling teams who travel to barbecue events all over the United States.

Monson said it was “a hard decision” among stakeholders to remove the hit cookoff competition from this year’s festival, but “we knew we could not do that safely in a COVID environment, so unfortunately, that had to go away this year.”

Other elements, such as a classic car show, a business expo and a kid’s fun zone won’t be part of the festivities this year either, according to Monson said.

With a date, time and location locked in for Pigz In Z’Hills, organizers and volunteers are working diligently to get the logistics all in place over the next two months.

This includes finalizing a full music lineup.

One of the confirmed headliners is Chuck Riley’s All Star Band, a longtime festival act.

As for other performers, Monson teased, “I think everybody’s going to be shocked when they see who all is going to be there.”

Here’s how the concert will be laid out for attendees:

  • Spots are reserved by purchasing a 10-by-10 foot grid, good for up to six people.
  • Price points will be based on vicinity to the music stage, with prices ranging from $40 to $100.
  • Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
Between all the grub and tunes, a daylong cornhole toss tournament figures to be a popular spot at this year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest.

For individuals or families just looking for a hearty BBQ meal, the drive-thru option will offer a choice of pulled chicken or brisket, plus an assortment of sides. Cost for that is $15 per person, though there is expected to be family meal option, too.

Meantime, the cornhole tournament will be broken into a recreation and competitive divisions, with a $500 prize to the winning team.

Entry fees are expected to be $20 and $40 per team, based on division.

Pigz in Z’Hills is not just a community entertainment tradition, but a major fundraiser for student scholarships, and about a dozen nonprofits and community organizations, such as Boy Scouts, East Pasco YMCA, and Relay for Life of Zephyrhills.

To help make up for anticipated funding shortages from this year’s pared down event, the local chamber this month launched a campaign called “Love Your Non-Profit” which showcases different organizations and solicits public donations for each.

“Being able to give scholarships to our youth here in Zephyrhills is a big deal, and we just need to do it. They don’t need to suffer. They’ve already been through enough,” the chamber director said.

For more information, call 813-782-1913, or email .

Published February 10, 2021

Judges take on leadership roles at Boy Scouts

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Two Hillsborough County judges have been selected as leaders in the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, according to a news release.

Judge Thomas Palermo will serve as chairman of the Fort Brook District, one of nine districts in the council. Judge Michael Bagge-Hernandez will serve as vice chairman.

The district encompasses the western half and northern half of Hillsborough County.

Palermo, appointed as a judge in 2019, lives in South Tampa and grew up in the Carrollwood area. The former American University Student Body President and Jesuit High School alumnus earned his law degree in 2001 from Florida State University College of Law.

He is married to Brittany Palermo. They have one son, a Webelo Scout in St. John’s Episcopal Church’s Cub Scout Pack 23, where Palermo is an assistant cubmaster and den leader.

Palermo’s son’s love for Scouting was one reason he became the district chairman.

In his role as chairman of the district, which has more than 90 Scouting units and serves more than 2,500 youth, he hopes to recruit and rebuild units as participation has been affected by the COVID-19 virus.

Bagge-Hernandez  became a judge January 2020, after working for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Puerto Rico and in the Middle District of Florida, the news release says.

A former Cub Scout at St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School, the Jesuit High School alumnus graduated from Stetson College of Law in 2007. A north Hillsborough County resident, he is married and has two young children, who he wants to enroll in Scouts when older.

“I accepted the position as vice chair in hopes to give back to the organization that did so much for me,” Bagge-Hernandez.

His goal, he said, is to support the organization in rebuilding from a difficult year.

The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council (GTBAC) is a local council in western Florida chartered by the Boy Scouts of America. The Council encompasses nine counties and serves more than 15,000 youth in 189 Cub Scout packs, 192 Boy Scout and Varsity Scout troops, 36 Venturing Crews and five Sea Scout Ships. In addition to the Lewis Hill III Service Center, located at 13228 N. Central Ave. in Tampa, the GTBAC maintains six camp properties: Camp Owen J. Brorein in Odessa, Camp Soule in Clearwater, Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation in Lake Wales, Sand Hill Scout Reservation in Brooksville, Big Foot Wilderness Camp in the Green Swamp, and Camp Alafia along the Alafia River in Lithia.

Published January 20, 2021

Pigz in Z’Hills festival postponed until April

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Like so many other major events throughout the Tampa Bay area, the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest will be forced to make many adjustments in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The largest annual event in Zephyrhills — which was slated for Feb. 27 — has been tentatively postponed until April, in the name of health and safety. Exact dates, times and a location are still to be determined, as are ticket and parking prices.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors agreed on the postponement in mid-December, after consulting with medical professionals and event partners, according to a chamber news release.

This year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest may feature a socially distanced car drive-in concert format with local or Florida-based bands only. But, there won’t be the other usual frills like a prized BBQ team competition, car show, cornhole tournament, business expo, or kids fun zone. (File)

The BBQ festival’s reboot will take on a different flavor in 2021 compared to past years — possibly focusing on just a drive-in concert and drive-thru BBQ meal pickup.

More concrete details will be hammered out following another board meeting in late January, where final event recommendations will be agreed upon, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Director Melonie Monson told The Laker/Lutz News in a recent interview.

Multiple proposals already have been discussed with Pigz in Z’Hills committee members and chamber leaders on the best approach.

One general concept that has been floated includes having attendees simply “drive through a line and pick up their BBQ, and then park and stay in their cars and listen to a concert,” Monson said.

But even this plan and its logistics have been questioned, as Monson said organizers “really struggled with some of the concept and the concern, so I think we’re back to square one of how we can do this in a COVID world and ensure safety.”

“The board really wants to be extra cautious, for sure,” she added.

Much concern from the board lies with the hundreds of volunteers who help make the event possible, Monson said. A point already has been made to excuse any youth and elderly helpers for this year’s festival, she said.

Said Monson: “That’s where a lot of it plays out — is can we guarantee safety to the people volunteering all day? You know, that’s the bottom line when it comes to things.”

Should a makeshift food and music show go on in some way or another, only local or Florida-based bands would be showcased for the event, Monson said.

Meanwhile, a final menu is being completed.

To do this, the chamber is collaborating with three of its regular cooking teams to serve up various offerings for attendees, perhaps an entrée choice of ribs, barbecued chicken or pork with various sides and drinks.

Aside from heaps of food and live music, Pigz in Z’Hills typically features a prized BBQ cookoff contest, car show, cornhole tournament, business expo, kids fun zone and tours of the Zephyrhills Military History Museum.

Those are off the table for the festival this year — though some type of combined car show and cornhole tournament may be organized through the chamber for sometime this summer, Monson said.

Event organizers have reached out to would-be BBQ competitors with information on refunds and to sponsors about being a part of the hybrid event.

A community staple and major fundraiser
Pigz in Z’Hills has not only been cemented as a community entertainment staple over the years, but also is a major fundraiser for student scholarships, and about a dozen nonprofits and community organizations, such as Boy Scouts, East Pasco YMCA, and Relay for Life of Zephyrhills, to name a few.

The chamber director acknowledged funds raised from this year’s BBQ event “is going to be very minimal,” but expressed confidence there’ll be enough in the coffers to continue the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund and Citizen of the Month programs.

To help make up for other anticipated funding shortages, Monson said the chamber in February is launching a campaign called “Love Your Non-Profit” that will showcase different organizations and solicit public donations for each.

Said Monson: “We’re going to spotlight the nonprofits that usually get the money (made from Pigz in Z’Hills) and really hope that the public will say, ‘Oh yeah, we recognize they’re not going to be able to get what they’re used to; we can help, too.’”

The BBQ shindig has grown substantially since its debut in 2011 — when it drew about 2,500 patrons.

Well over 10,000 people have attended in recent years at its usual staged location of 5200 Airport Road, across from the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — including a record-high of about 13,500 attending in 2019.

The momentum carried into the event’s 10th anniversary celebration last January, drawing roughly 11,000 people.

The chamber had hoped to build on the string of successes and find a way to bring some normalcy to the area by holding the festival and all its familiar fixins’, but the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and vaccine delays forced organizers to pivot completely, Monson said.

Expected to be a much smaller turnout this year, the chamber director noted any hybrid festival would be considered “a huge success” if anywhere from 300 to 500 tickets get purchased.

“It’s real disappointing, but we recognize we’re not the only ones going through this, and we will rebound,” Monson said.

There’s confidence brewing that the BBQ extravaganza will get back on track by 2022, however.

That’s because next year’s Pigz in Z’Hills has been selected to host the Florida BBQ Association State Championship.

Monson said the showcase could draw upward of 65 top-notch BBQ teams from around the state, with a purse of at least $10,000 for the winner. The event is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 26, 2022.

“It will bring in competitors that we’ve never had before from throughout the state, which is exciting,” said Monson.

The chamber leader also noted that the event will be a solid marketing tool for Zephyrhills, at large.

She expects that television exposure and coverage of the event will offer a great opportunity “to showcase our little city.”

For more information, call 813-782-1913, or email .

Published January 13, 2021

Lutz teen reaches rank of Eagle Scout

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Zachary Meiczinger was a first-grader when he became a Tiger, the preliminary level of Boy Scouts. He liked it from the very beginning.

Gaither High junior Zachary Meiczinger has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. The Lutz resident is 16. (Courtesy of Zachary Meiczinger)

And now, the Gaither High junior has achieved the ultimate: He’s an Eagle Scout.

“It’s a real honor,’’ said Meiczinger, 16, a member of Troop 12. “It’s something I’ll have the rest of my life.’’

Since the Eagle Scout designation began in 1911, only 4% of Scouts have earned the honor. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was an Eagle Scout. So was former President Gerald R. Ford. Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg is one, too.

Becoming an Eagle Scout requires a lengthy review process, the acquisition of at least 21 merit badges and the completion of a community service project.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to see someone grow from first-grade stature to someone who is showing leadership and has a vision of what they want to do with the rest of their life,’’ said local Boy Scouts leader Paul O’Connor, Meiczinger’s first troop leader and the supervisor of his Eagle Scout project.

Zachary Meiczinger constructed a Ga-Ga Ball Pit — a form of dodgeball, inside an octagon — as part of his Eagle Scout project, at Lutz Elementary School.

Meiczinger’s project was completed at Lutz Elementary School, where he attended and where his father is a fifth-grade teacher. He painted the fences in the school’s front area, between the cafeteria and main office, while installing about 100 plants, and mulching the entire area.

He also installed a Ga-Ga Ball Pit — a version of dodgeball played in a fenced-in octagon — to give the school kids another recreation option.

“That’s a nice payback for a place where Zach has strong ties, and I thought it was a great choice,’’ O’Connor said.

Meiczinger has lived his life making great choices. He runs cross-country for Gaither and also plays recreational soccer, but Scouting has been his driving force. He has formed lifelong relationships, learned valuable practical skills and had great experiences.

Part of Zachary Meiczinger’s Eagle Scout project, at Lutz Elementary School, involved installing about 100 plants and mulching the area in front of the school.

He can’t recall many of his Tiger experiences. But, he does remember an overnight sleepover at the Kennedy Space Center, where they reclined in sleeping bags and stared up at the rockets.

He has enjoyed countless camping trips and a few whitewater rafting expeditions. Next summer, he’s taking a trip to the Florida Keys, where he will impart knowledge to the younger Scouts.

“I’ve been able to stay connected to some great friends,’’ Meiczinger said. “I’ve learned how to do things like CPR. I’ve stayed really dedicated and consistent to it and that gives me a lot of pride. I started something a long time ago and now I’m finishing it.’’

O’Connor — an Eagle Scout himself — said Meiczinger’s accomplishment should be celebrated.

“Zach has given himself a tremendous opportunity,’’ O’Connor said. “He’s a junior who is starting to look at colleges. Having ‘Eagle Scout’ on his college application is phenomenal. After college, when he’s looking for a job, the words ‘Eagle Scout’ on a job application will open so many doors.

“I have seen the benefits of it personally (working as a project manager for General Electric). He will be placed in leadership positions and get great exposure. My wife works at a large law firm and she sees a lot of resumes. She says if ‘Eagle Scout’ is there, that person will generally get pulled in, at least for an initial interview. It’s a powerful thing.’’

Meiczinger said he knows that already.

“I always see where the Eagle Scouts say how it sticks with them for their whole life,’’ Meiczinger said. “It helped them get places, whether it was a college or somewhere in their career. I can put the term ‘Eagle Scout’ by my name. It’s an honor and a privilege.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published January 06, 2021

Wesley Chapel’s rec center on target for 2021 opening

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It has taken years to get to this point, but by the summer of 2021, a new recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park is expected to be up and running.

A virtual groundbreaking was held, due to COVID-19.

A group of elected leaders and county officials gathered at the district park on July 15 and tossed out a few ceremonial shovels of dirt.

A video of the event was shared by the county’s Media Relations & Communications Team.

Taking part in the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Wesley Chapel District Park Recreation Center were, from left: Erik Breitenbach, assistant county administrator; Dan Biles, county administrator; Ron Oakley, Pasco County commissioner; Mike Moore, Pasco County commission chairman; Tom FitzSimons, president of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association; and Keith Wiley, director of the county’s parks, recreation and natural resources department. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor, Pasco County)

In the video, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore talks about the long-term impact he expects the project to have.

“I spent years here with my children, in a number of sports. Now other children for years and years to come, and generations to come are going to be able to enjoy this indoor facility,” said Moore, who coached flag football, baseball and soccer at the district park, when his three children were younger.

Commissioner Ron Oakley thanked Moore for his involvement on the rec center project. Oakley added: “It’ll be great for this community.”

Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources, said the district park is the county’s largest athletic facility, in terms of space.

“So, this complex basically completes that package,” Wiley said.

The bid on the project was awarded to Keator Construction LLC, for slightly under $4 million.

Funding for the project primarily comes from park impact fees collected in the central zone of the county, Wiley said.

“We are fortunate enough with the growth that was occurring in the central area to be able to accumulate enough money to make this project come to life. So, we’re extremely excited about that,” Wiley said.

“We’re hoping that the building will be completed and open in the summer of 2021, and we’ll kick off our first program and welcome our first guest at that time,” he added.

This is a conceptual rendering of the planned recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park. The rendering is subject to change. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The 17,800-square-foot facility will accommodate a number of sports and other activities, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, summer day camp, toddler activities, community events and other uses, according to plans previously shared with The Laker/Lutz News.

The new facility will feature a gymnasium with a regulation-size basketball court that can be converted into two smaller courts, two volleyball courts or four pickleball courts.

There will be restrooms and showers, too.

Multipurpose areas will accommodate a range of activities for groups, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Tom FitzSimons, president of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association, said, “An indoor facility will allow us to get the kids off of the (outdoor) courts and inside to play basketball in our program, and allow us to offer wrestling and volleyball, and possibly competitive cheerleading, where they’d be inside and they could do the practicing.”

“I can’t wait to see this thing built,” FitzSimons said.

The recreational center gives people another reason to take advantage of the popular district park.

It already is packed with outdoor sports activities, including several athletic fields for youth and adults, a lighted soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and picnic tables and grills for barbecues.

It also is home to the county’s only universal playground — designed specifically for children with disabilities.

Published July 29, 2020

Caring for dad comes naturally for Vizzari sons

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Vince Vizzari, a retired City of Tampa firefighter, was always there for his three sons. He coached them in baseball. He worked with them in Boy Scouts. He was available to help with a project or share some family time.

Life changed dramatically for Vizzari on Jan. 23, 2018, when he suffered a massive stroke that affected his speech and mobility.

And now, the three Vizzari sons — Tony, Mike and Tim — are always there for the dad.

After the initial care and rehabilitation, there was no question about the road ahead for Vizzari. A specialized facility or nursing home was available, but the sons wouldn’t hear of that. Their dad was coming home.

The Vizzari sons, from left: Tim, Michael and Tony, gather around their dad, Vince, who suffered a massive stroke in 2018. The brothers have juggled other obligations, to rally around their dad. (Courtesy of Lonna Vizzari)

To make that work, they have done anything needed to assist, lightening the load on Vizzari’s wife, Lonna, and drawing the family even closer.

Tony (a retired firefighter), Mike (an active fire captain) and Tim (who operates the family’s landscaping business) are juggling their work and family obligations to help care for their dad, 73. Everyone lives close in the Lutz area. They are in constant communication to schedule their time and make sure they can help with chores or simply spend time with their dad.

“They are devoted to their father and always have been,’’ Lonna said. “They do whatever is needed, without complaint, and I derive so much comfort from that.

“It warms my heart. It just brings tears to my eyes, to see that kind of love. Each one does something different with their dad. I always know I can call them and their families also to drop what they are doing if I need them.’’

Vizzari’s left side is much weaker now. If he’s pulled over to the side of the bed, he can sit up. He’s aware of his surroundings and can say some words, including his wife’s name, but has trouble writing.

He needs a wheelchair to get around, and one of the sons takes him outside nearly every day, where he enjoys watching the birdfeeder or maybe one of his grandchildren playing at the lake. While inside, he loves watching western movies or television shows.

In 1996, while working for the fire department, Vizzari suffered a heart attack. For a while, he was reassigned to office duty until he retired on disability. Still, he continued owning a pest control business and taking care of his own mother, 92-year-old Marie, who lived in his home.

The stroke changed everything — and nothing.

“We have always been close to him, and we still are,’’ Tony said. “We’re just doing what we’re supposed to do. Family comes first.’’

“Our dad has always been a jokester, a people person, the kind of guy who helped anyone he could,’’ Tim said. “Things could be a lot worse, but they could also be better. We all want to do whatever we can for him because he deserves that.’’

At the time of the stroke, Tim and his wife were finalizing plans to become foster parents to three children, joining their two biological kids. Life’s complications can appear overwhelming, but it all seems to work.

Vizzari’s positive attitude a major plus
“He’s a great patient,’’ Tony said. “He smiles and laughs every day. He says ‘thank you’ to each of us every day.

“I’d like him to be able to transfer into his wheelchair on his own. Obviously, any extra communication would be a goal. There’s room for improvement, and we will continue to work at it. But, he has the right attitude. He keeps trying, so we keep trying with him.’’

When one of his sons arrives, Vizzari usually smiles and gives a victory hand signal.

“He might not be able to say some words, but you can go by the expression in his eyes,’’ Tim said. “When the grandkids are there, his whole world lights up. He tries to say things, but sometimes it doesn’t come out like he wants.

“It can be a stressful situation, but we all love that we can be there for him and help out. It’s about helping out our mom, too. She’s more of a trooper than anyone. She doesn’t give up, no matter how difficult it might seem.’’

In the last few months, Vizzari’s wife has utilized some caregiver help, usually in the mornings. But, nothing replaces the presence of Vizzari’s sons.

“What they have done for their father, what they have done for me, is something that should be honored,’’ she said. “They are devoted to us. They have their own families and responsibilities, but they make time.

“We are blessed to have a close family. We always had dinners and big get-togethers. We have always supported each other. This is just another example, an extreme example. Vince has improved in a lot of ways, and I think what the boys have done is a big reason for that.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published July 15, 2020

MOSI focusing more on community outreach

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In just a few years, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) has gone from being millions of dollars in debt to being financially sustainable, operating in the black.

The turnaround of the North Tampa organization has come under the new leadership of Julian McKenzie, who was promoted as museum CEO in 2017, after serving less than a year as its CFO.

Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) CEO Julian McKenzie was the featured guest speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting earlier this month at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of MOSI)

The museum leader led a restructuring effort that saw the organization downsize its East Fowler Avenue campus from 300,000 square feet to about 55,000 square feet, while trimming just about 10% of overall exhibit space.

“The big issue for MOSI was it was trying to be too much for too many people,” McKenzie said, during a recent North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

Museum leadership had to reconfigure its “core competencies and core values,” the CEO added, during the session, at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel.

That has meant a shift toward a greater focus on community outreach — a mission of spreading more science education in schools and other youth organizations like the Boys & Girls Club, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, McKenzie said.

It’s entailed a renovated learning center on campus to host homeschooled children and summer camps, as well as a mobile science lab that features interactive STEAM workshops and assemblies. Another new program, in partnership with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, allows youth get to build a robot with the help of a police office, “so that it kind of demystifies the role of law enforcement,” McKenzie said.

“For me, outreach is essential,” the speaker said. “There is no reason why a kid in Dade City cannot benefit from the same level of science education as a kid from Temple Terrace.”

MOSI reopened in November 2017 following a three-month renovation.

Since then, the venue has hosted about 70,000 children through school field trips, and has reached another 55,000 through its mobile outreach program, McKenzie said.

Roughly 50% of children lose interest in science by eighth grade, he said.

He believes MOSI’s outreach efforts can change that.

The museum executive detailed how one of his colleagues is a first-generation immigrant whose parents don’t speak English, but a MOSI youth summer camp sparked interest in volunteering at the museum and then going on to college.

There are “dozens of other examples” of people who caught the science bug on a MOSI field trip or visit and are now leading engineers at institutions like Georgia Tech “and some other fancy universities,” McKenzie said.

He also told those gathered at the chamber breakfast that there’s a correlation among cities with “very, very strong science centers that are very involved in the local community” to high-paying jobs and high average median salaries in those particular communities.

McKenzie also shared a story about a Temple Terrace-based school where science pass rates were just 14%. After MOSI implemented outreach programs at the school, those rates rose to 48%, he said.

“I don’t want to fault the teachers, but it’s the foundation that is missing, and what we at MOSI are good at doing is building a strong foundation in science education for those kids.”

He continued, “We have the expertise in-house, and so what we’re pushing is the expertise that we have accumulated and track record that we’ve had in doing so. The results we have at that one school are systematic of what MOSI can have.”

McKenzie outlined MOSI’s next “ambitious plan” is to host education outreach days to all schools in the following area counties — DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas. Put another way, he believes MOSI “can reach 221,000 kids and really make a difference.”

The museum also has launched an outreach program to serve at-risk youth at various juvenile detention centers in the area.

“If we can light that spark and do something that they change their way of life — or they have something to focus on — then I think we have really achieved our objective,” McKenzie said.

“It kind of dawned on me, that was an area of the community that we’re not touching,” he said. “But, they are the kids that, in my opinion, are the most in need.”

Meanwhile, McKenzie said museum leadership has worked to boost visitor experience with more hands-on, functional exhibits on polymers, DNA, rockets, robots and astronomy, as well as establishing an art factory with a resident artist.

And, the museum isn’t just for kids.

The venue has introduced “Science After Dark” allowing adults to tour the facility with light appetizers, and beer and wine samplings. The next event is scheduled for April 6 at 6 p.m.

The museum also plays host to STEM networking, corporate teambuilding and events geared toward seniors. “We’re trying to have that balance,” McKenzie said of serving various community segments.

As for other plans, McKenzie pitched the possibility of changing the name to “Museum of Science and Innovation,” and developing an exhibit to showcase the region’s most innovative technology companies. “It’s part of our strategic review we’re going through,” he said of the name change proposal.

McKenzie, too, addressed rumors of MOSI getting moved to downtown Tampa, so Hillsborough County can redevelop the present site: “As you all know, anything to do with government takes decades, so I’m not too worried about it. We’re doing well, we’re thriving where we’re at, and that’s where I want us to stay, moving forward and impacting kids as we’re there.”

He also said this: “Before I joined (MOSI), I thought, ‘What the heck am I getting myself into?,’ and I look at it today, and I’m very happy to say it has completely turned around and the institution is very, very strong right now.”

Published March 11, 2020

Wreaths Across America pays homage to fallen veterans

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In touching tributes that played out at cemeteries across the country, the nation paused for a moment on Dec. 15 to remember its fallen military veterans through Wreaths Across America.

People fanned out to place wreaths on headstones throughout the 512-acre Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. To date, more than 129,000 have been laid to rest at the cemetery. (Randy Underhill)

An estimated 2 million wreaths were laid on the gravestones of military veterans, including more than 30,000 at the Florida military cemetery in Bushnell.

Thousands arrived to Bushnell early, on a cloudy, windy day, to take part in the annual ceremony.

The wreaths arrived in semi-trailer trucks.

People traveled there on motorcycles and in cars. They came as members of veterans organizations, civic clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. There were family members and friends of the veterans being honored.

This is the gravestone of Lowell Hathaway, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is the father of Mary Eberhard, accounting manager for The Laker/Lutz News.

The crowd lined the narrow streets, as the escorted semi-trucks made their way to different sections of the 512-acre cemetery — delivering more than 30,000 wreaths to be placed at the headstones of veterans.

A ceremony was held at 11:45 a.m., with the presentation of colors, the placing of the POW/MIA table, the posting of ceremonial wreaths and other ceremonial touches.

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Michael E. Langley, of U.S. Central Command, spoke about the nation’s veterans, and their fortitude and willingness to serve.

The playing of “Taps” concluded the service.

The event was hosted by Wreaths Across America Bushnell and U.S. Military Vets MC.

Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell is off Interstate 75, about one hour north of Land O’ Lakes.

By Randy Underhill

Published December 19, 2018

Vernon Brown, of Fort Myers, a veteran of the Vietnam War, placed a wreath for a fallen soldier he did not know, during Wreaths Across America on Dec. 15.
Staff Sgt. Andrew King, of Oklahoma, and Sgt. Kristopher Calnon, from California, both stationed at MacDill, post one of the ceremonial wreaths during Wreaths Across America, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Ninety-six-year-old Lyle Strong, of Zephyrhills, stands proudly, as he is recognized for his service during World War II.
Local Harley Owner’s Group members Capt. David Kreiger, Land O’ Lakes, seated on motorcycle; Barbara Blakely, director, left center, of Lutz; Larry Blakely, secretary, of Lutz; and Luis Buitrago, treasurer, get ready to ride through the rain to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. They are shown here in Land O’ Lakes.
Major Michael E. Langley, of the U.S. Central Command, was the keynote speaker for Wreaths Across America, an event at cemeteries across the country, including Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
U.S. Air Force veteran David Reeve, a member of the U.S. Military Vets MC, stands near a table set in honor of prisoners of war and missing comrades. Each item on the table has significance. The table is set for a meal, but never occupied, at every military ceremony.

District park to get recreational center

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Back when plans were originally developed for the Wesley Chapel District Park, the intention was to build an indoor recreation center as part of the complex, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“Over time, with the downturn and people were saving money — cutting budget, it never happened,” Moore said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is pleased that the county is pursuing plans to build an indoor recreation center at the county’s Wesley Chapel District Park. He’s excited about the new opportunities it will create for area residents. (B.C. Manion)

Now, plans for the indoor center are again proceeding for the district park at 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel.

“I asked it to be put in last year’s budget,” Moore said, noting he expects the county to soon select a design firm to design the building.

A county staff committee reviews the qualifications of those seeking to do the design work, Moore said.

“Once they choose the firm that meets the qualifications, they bring their choice to us,” Moore said. Generally, that’s approved by the board without debate, he said.

He expects the indoor recreation center to be similar to the building at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, on Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The center will be approximately 15,000 square feet, and the budget for the project is approximately $3 million, Moore said.

He knows the indoor center will be a welcome addition to the community.

“I’ve been very involved at Wesley Chapel District Park for a number of years,” he said, noting he’s coached baseball, soccer and flag football.

“There’s a lot of people out there on a daily basis,” Moore said.

“Right now, they’re playing basketball outside. The leagues are playing outside, plus, just the general public is playing outside.

“Well, the downfall, it’s hot in the summer — and then, rain,” Moore said. “You figure if it’s 100 degrees outside, it’s 120 (degrees) on that court.”

An indoor facility can be used year-round, he noted. And, “it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside. It doesn’t matter how hot it is.”

Plus, he said, “it’s just a safer environment for the kids.”

The new center also will give the community a chance to offer volleyball leagues, Moore said.

“I know for a fact, a lot of the girls and guys who are playing in volleyball are going to other places, whether it be Collier Parkway or New Tampa,” Moore said.

But, sports-minded people aren’t the only ones who will benefit, he said.

It also will create a new gathering space for the community.

He envisions a wide range of people using the center, such as the Rotary Club, community associations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, aerobics classes, yoga classes, and various other classes and organizations.

“Think about those things they’re doing at Collier (Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex), we could do them here,” Moore said. “I think about some of our retirees, our seniors, during the day — people could have Bridge Club or knitting.”

Right now, there are about 500 boys and girls in the basketball league each year, ranging from age 7 to 17, and there are no volleyball leagues at the park.

“My assumption is that you would see the leagues increase.

“I think it’s a deterrent for people to join when you play outdoors, because of the heat and everything,” he said.

There will be more parking, too.

“When you expand capacity, obviously you need additional parking,” Moore said.

He hopes the center is completed in time to open in early 2020.

Published November 21, 2018